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Introduction to Zephaniah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Zephaniah

  1. Yahweh will judge Judah on "the Day of Yahweh"
    • Judgment on Baal worshipers (1:2–6)
    • Yahweh will cause the destruction of Judah (1:7–13)
    • Judgment is coming soon (1:14–18)
    • Invitation to "seek Yahweh" and escape the Day of Yahweh (2:1–3)
  2. Yahweh's judgment on the nations
    • Philistia (2:4–7)
    • Moab and Ammon (2:8–11)
    • Egypt (2:12)
    • Assyria (2:13–15)
  3. Judgment on Jerusalem, the city of oppressors (3:1–8)
  4. The promise that Yahweh will purify, restore, gather, and bless his people (3:9–20)

What is the Book of Zephaniah about?

This book contains prophecies that warned Judah and other nations that God is about to punish them on the day of Yahweh. There are also prophecies about how God will restore Judah. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord)

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may decide to translate this traditional title "The Book of Zephaniah" in a way that is clearer to the readers. They may decide to call it, "The sayings of Zephaniah." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)

Who wrote the Book of Zephaniah?

Zephaniah is the author of this book, but there are four different individuals in the Old Testament named Zephaniah. This Zephaniah was probably the great-grandson of King Hezekiah and a cousin to King Josiah. Zephaniah lived in the city of Jerusalem and began to prophesy about seventy years after the prophets Isaiah and Micah. Zephaniah spoke Yahweh's messages during the reign of King Josiah (about 640–621 B.C.), and just before the prophet Jeremiah began his own work.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Were the people of Judah faithful to Yahweh at the time Zephaniah started his work?

Manasseh, the grandfather of Josiah, had been one of the worst kings of Judah. He encouraged the people to worship other gods. After his death, his son Amon ruled for only two years before he was assassinated. Amon's son Josiah became king when he was eight years old and learned to worship and honor Yahweh. It is likely that Zephaniah began his work after Josiah had destroyed most of the idols and shrines of false gods in Judah. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod)

What country is coming to invade Judah?

Zephaniah often mentioned a foreign nation that would invade the kingdom of Judah. Zephaniah probably meant the Babylon. However, the name of this nation is never mentioned.